This prayer honors Pope Francis’s legacy and asks for divine guidance in selecting his successor. According to Catholic tradition, the College of Cardinals will gather in the coming weeks to elect the next pope during a conclave that typically begins about two to three weeks after a pope’s death.
Prayer for Pope Francis and the Election of a New Pope
Video — Prayer for Pope Francis and the Election of a New Pope
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts both sorrowful and grateful. We mourn the passing of Your servant Pope Francis, who shepherded Your Church with humility and compassion.
We thank You for his witness to the Gospel, for his care for the poor and marginalized, for his call to protect Your creation, and for his tireless work for peace and unity among all peoples.
Receive him now into the light of Your presence, where sorrows end and joy begins eternal. May he rest in Your peace and rise in glory.
Lord, as the Church enters this time of transition, we ask for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Pour forth Your wisdom upon the College of Cardinals as they gather to discern Your will for the successor to the Chair of St. Peter.
Grant them clarity of mind, purity of heart, and courage of spirit, that they may choose a shepherd after Your own heart, one who will lead Your flock with wisdom, holiness, and love.
May the new pope be a faithful witness to Your truth, a compassionate minister to all in need, and a unifying presence in our divided world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.
St. Peter, pray for us.
All holy men and women, pray for us.